Re-Evaluating

side note: It's pretty cute-every time I sit at the computer my pup comes and curls up on top of my feet. I like to think of her as my personal foot warmer :).

So, yesterday Chloe and I went for a run. We ran almost 3 miles in about 32 minutes. I started thinking about how I have this 5 mile run coming in May and then the 1/2 marathon in June- which I intend to run/walk.

What struck is the fact that I really just don't think I'm going to be a LONG distance runner. To be honest, I enjoy my good 30 minute runs but anything more than that takes a huge physical effort and a battle in my mind. I know that I enjoy the accomplishments of a long run, but honestly, I started running to get a good workout. And 30 minutes of running seems like a pretty good daily workout to me.

That's when I thought: well maybe I will just cap my runs at 30 minutes, but when I do races I could run longer distances? But I'm not sure if this is wise either because longer runs require you train for them properly, right?

So I think I am reevaluating my running goals...for now. I am going to stick to running 5k races (other than what I am already signed up for) and train with 30-35 minute runs (3 miles). I will re-evaluate down the road whether or not I want to up my distances, but for now, I am going to stick with what I am comfortable with and enjoy, instead of pushing myself to a point where I can't even enjoy running.

It's hard for me to admit that at this point I don't want to continue upping my distance because that is what I see so many other runner bloggers doing. But I think it's time for me to swallow my proud and accept that 3 miles of running is a great accomplishment!

Weigh in Week 20: New Kicks and You're In My Dreams!!

Hey guys. It's monday morning-(BLEH!) but you know what?! I'm feeling good! I will tell you why....

I LOST THREE POUNDS THIS WEEK!

WOooOOOhOOO!

That definitely makes up for the bitty birthday splurge week where I maintained. I am really excited because it is also my 5 month anniversary on this health journey. I have learned SO much and it's becoming more and more of a way of life. I love it.

In case you are wondering, that is a total of 31.5lbs lost in 5 months. :0)

I also got my new running shoes in the mail on Friday:
So far they feel wonderful! I wore them on my hike on Saturday but have not gone running in them yet. It will probably be a little later this week when I finally get out and test them along with my Nike+.

So happy! It just goes to show you what real focus and buckling down can do. I really tried hard this week and was hoping for a great number on the scale.

Good luck to you all this week. You can do this!

random: I had a dream last night that I was a manager for plus sized models. In one of them there were a few bloggers I know that were doing a photoshoot! HA!

Creamy Oatmeal and Cool Gadgets

You may all remember a couple of weeks ago when I wrote about my struggle with oatmeal. You all gave some great suggestions! I also had been eyeing this strange creation called "overnight" oatsl I kept seeing on Kristen's blog. So I ventured into this world and....I fell in oatmeal love.

Yes, I realize that I said the reason that I didn't like hot meal was because it was "mushy"--and this is still true. But for some reason, this overnight oats thing has just a bit of crunchy and it overrides that mushy element.

Here was my first bowl ever:What I put in it:
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup soy milk
1 small banana, cut up
1/2 Tbsp PB
1 tbsp Agave

I threw all this in a bowl, gave it a couple stirs, and left it in the fridge overnight. Voila!

I have to tell you, I was pretty skeptical of what it might be like to eat this cold. It sounded pretty gross to me. I tried it anyway, and it was so good! The yogurt makes it so creamy. Now that I've had it cold, I can't imagine eating this hot, I'm not sure it would taste quite right!

I also picked up some steel cut oats at Trader Joe's last weekend but haven't tried them yet!

I received a formspring question a couple of days ago regarding my HRM:

What kind of heart rate monitor are you using? How do you like it?

I have returned this heart rate monitor watch that I got for my birthday:
I think I figured out the problem and why it was overestimating my calorie burn. In order to get your heart rate, you must place your fingre on the metal part of the watch during your workout. Well the problem is, (and I don't know about the rest of you) but my heart rate changes often during my workout! However, because I didn't really want to place my finger on there every minute, the watch was calculating my calorie burn from the last time I measured my heart rate...

and so....

because the main reason I even wanted the watch was for an accurate calorie count, I returned it.

Now when I was shoe shopping this weekend with my mom I spotted the Nike+Ipod sensor. If you have the Ipod or Iphone alreday, this sensor is just 30 dollars.

How it works: you place that little red sensor thing in your shoe and the white part plugs into your Ipod. The sensor measures how many steps you are taking and tells you how long you have been out, how far you are going, and your calorie burn as well. There is an actual voice that comes through your headphones telling you this information.

I realize that this is pretty different from a HRM but I think it's going to fit with me nicely. First of all, my main exercise of choice is running/walking which is what this is designed for. Secondly, I run at a lot of places that are unmarked trails- this is going to be SO nice to know exactly how far I am running.

Another cool thing is that you can set a certain calorie goal. When you reach that goal, the voice will tell you!

I'm really excited to try this out, but I am waiting to do so until I get my new running shoes which I HOPE will be coming in the mail today! I will keep you guys posted!

The Fuzz Cuzzy Runs

Good morning all my lovely blog followers! I hope your day has started out SWELL.

I have some very exciting news. I have a race buddy! YAY! You may remember my post a couple of weeks ago about the St. Patty's Day Dash and for whatever reason, I ended up running it alone. That was ok with me. It was such a big goal that I had been working at that I wanted to be able to just be proud of myself and myself alone when I crossed that finish line.

HOWEVER!

I am a big people person and so I've been trying to "scout out" or "recruit" (so to say) some running buddies for the last couple of months. Well I am happy to say that I have one who is doing the next race with me.....

MY COUSIN!![December 08]
aka "the fuzz" (We have always called each other fuzzy cuzzy since we were little. Nerdy, I know!)

Anyway, I am SO excited. And guess what that little stinker did!?!?

Convinced me to do a half marathon with her in June.

WWHAATT?!?(yes this is her and I- notice matching gofer teeth)

Yes, that's right everyone. I will be doing my first half marathon- the "rock and roll half marathon" in Seattle in June.

Don't worry too much though! We have already discussed our plans of trying to run half of it and walk the rest. We don't want to overdo it and end up injuring ourselves or getting discouraged because we couldn't complete it. Were going to take it easy and just enjoy ourselves!! I am so excited.

Next weekend we are going to go on our first run together. Since she lives about an hour from me, we will mostly be training seperately. But next weekend we plan to run back and forth across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge- which is equivalent to about 2 miles.
In May she will coming up to my hometown to run the Vikingfest race with me- 5 miles.

We are totally going to rock this race. No doubt about it...just look at how cute we are:
Ok, well, maybe she's the cute one. I was preoccupied.

I love her oh so much and am happy that she is getting into this crazy world of running with me!

Happy Birthday To Me :)

This is what I said to myself as I crossed that finish line this morning. That, and a whole other slew of thoughts "You did this. It's ok to be proud. This is what you've been working for."

But to get there, I will start with my journey to Seattle which begins the day before (Saturday) where the city was alive with the Irish spirit.

Kellen and I headed on over to the city in the morning to meet up with some friends to celebrate. Kellen got into the Irish spirit on the ride their because we knew the city would be flooded with green:Our first order of business:
Picking up my race packet and shirt for the next day!
For lunch (and birthday celebration) we went to the cheesecake factory. I've been eyeing the "avocado egg rolls" for quite some time and wanted to try them out.
They were so yummy, but I'm sure quite high in calories. Oh well. It's my party...right?
For our main entree K and I shared the Thai Lettuce Wraps:
Things got a little silly while we were waiting for our food:
That night we stayed at my mom's apartment in seattle. The next morning I was SO pumped and excited for the race!

Here is me in all my gear back at the apartment:
We walked about a 1/2 mile to get to the start. I figured it was a good warm up!About the race:

WOW! 15,000 people showed up for this race around the city of Seattle. Green was EVERYWHERE! The weather was gorgeous- beautiful and sunny, but just the perfect temperature for a long run.

For whatever reason, I ended up having only ONE running buddy to walk up to the start line with. But that's ok! This race was not about friends- it was about my own accomplishment. However, I was happy to have one bud there (for the beginning at least)--it happened to be my husband's best bud Will. (p.s. ladies, this guy is amazing, AND SINGLE! hehe)
Of course the hubby was there to cheer us on. He has some problem with his knees so he didn't run, but he was cheering on taking pictures from the sidelines!

This is me right after I crossed the starting line (unfortunately the hubby's picture taking skills are....lacking...lol)
It was SUCH an amazing experience.

There were honestly people there at every stage of their life- old, young, fit, not so fit, skinny, lots to love (hehe). This was amazingly encouraging. Not once did I feel out of place or to slow. Some people chose to walk, others sprinted. But we all did it.

I was so nervous that I might have stopped to walk. It has been my goal for four months that I would run this whole race. Well guess what?

I SUCCEEDED.That's right....3.7 miles. The farthest I've ever ran! What an amazing feeling.

Honestly, time didn't matter. I don't even know my "official" time yet. All that matters is that I set a goal and I accomplished it. For that I am extremely happy.

Happy Birthday to me :)

Let's Talk

Warning: this post is going to be a bunch of random jabber. If you attempt to read all of it, I applaud and thank you for being such a loyal follower.

Hello all! Today I ran another 3 miles with Chloe. I have a couple of random things to spout about on this subject:

1. I am finding that eating 1 hour before I run is working wonders. I no longer feel nauseous and I also feel it is giving me a bit more energy than I had before.

2. I have been having a major side ache on my right side. I think this may be because I hold Chloe's leash on this side, and she likes to pull on it everytime she sees another dog, person, small animal, etc. I'm hoping this side ache will not pop up for my race on Sunday seeing as she will not be with me.

3. I am REALLY NERVOUS for Sunday (race day), because 3 miles feels like such a struggle for me at this point- and the race is 3.75. I want to be able to say I ran the whole thing- that has been my goal this whole time I've been training. But I am really nervous that I might not make it. :(

Happy thought: I no longer have things in my closet that don't fit. You know how amazing it is to reach into my closet, pull something out, and to just KNOW it won't be too small? It feels so rewarding.

I have now sent in an initial application to a school to become a Registered Dietitian. However, I have almost no science credits so I will have to start looking into taking some more courses through my local community college to get caught up so I can fulfill the program prerequisites.

If you are reading this and know of someone, or you yourself are, involved in the nutrition field and may be willing to talk to me more about it via e-mail, I would love to talk to someone!

I did receive several more formspring questions that I will be answering in the next couple of days. Oddly enough, a lot of them had to do with mine and my hubby's relationship! haha. I think I will be devoting a whole post to this aspect of my life and what his thoughts are on this whole "lifestyle change" I've adopted the last four months.

I will however, target one "non relationship" question I got yesterday:

"how do you deal with the PMS-related cravings? (for me, chocolate, salt, and general sluggishness..."

If I am going to be truthfully and brutally honest hear.... not very well! I am definitely still learning how to cope with these things. For the last four months if my body was craving something, PMS related or not, I've just given it what it wants. The only thing I've changed is trying to find a lower calorie replacement. So instead of eating a bowl of chocolate ice cream, I might have a cup of sugar free hot coco instead.

This technique has definitely helped me "coast through" my first 25 pounds- and will probably be my technique until I reach my first weight goal of 40 pounds lost. However, as I've mentioned in previous posts, I am thinking about adapting and changing some of these things (and probably kicking aspertame to the curb is going to be one of my first orders of business...which means saying goodbye to a lot of my "lower calorie" replacements).

So there ya go. That's been my technique...but we are all forever changing and adapting on this journey, and so will I!

As far as "sluggishness"- I exercise when I feel like it. I know, you are probably thinking when does anyone ever "feel" like it? Basically to me that means if there is nothing drastically wrong with me (i.e. I feel nauseous/crampy, exhausted, or really ill) I just kick my butt out the door.

Oh yeah, and having a Siberian husky helps A LOT! No joke.
You just can't say no to this face.

That's it for today!

HELP!

On Tuesday I tried to run 3 miles again. I made it about 2.5 and then I had to stop...I felt SO nauseous. I figured it was because I hadn't eaten anything that morning.

Then today I went out to run again. I ate an applesauce right before I left. I only made it about 1/2 a mile and had to stop again- I felt nauseous, but even worse than before!

My race is coming up in two weeks and I really need to figure out what to eat before it! Anyone have any ideas for me??

Last night I came home and literally started throwing ingredients together. I made turkey burgers....and OMG were they yummy!!

I have no recipe for you because like I said I literally just started throwing stuff in a bowl...what I can remember is obviously ground turkey, onions, garlic, mozzarella cheese, worcestershire sauce, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Seriously this was the bomb!! I then grilled it on our George Foreman grill!

Couch to 5k: DOMINATED

Yes, that's right folks, today I completed C25k week 9, day three.

C25k....completed....BOO YAH!

Here I am after today's run:
Yes, I get REALLY pink when I work out!

And my trusty running buddy:She's been sleeping ever since :)

Oh man, you don't even know how excited I am that I finished the program. I am now running a STRONG 30 minutes straight (the program is based on time, not distance) But mainly I think this is because they assume you will complete 5 kilometers in 30 minutes...well... I'm not quite there yet!

But here's the thing....THAT'S OK! You know why? Because I now know that I CAN and WILL complete 5 kilometers, no matter the time it takes me. How do I know this? Because I've finally come to realize that running is SO much more a mental game than a physical one.

I'm not suggesting anyone starting out just go out there and try to run 3 miles all by their will power. Of course you need to ease your body into it one run at a time. However, I AM suggesting that once you learn to say no to that little voice in your head that keeps saying things like:

"You can't do this."
"You're too out of shape, give it up."
"You can only make it a couple more seconds, don't try any more."

Whatever that voice may say to you, you CAN learn to control and overcome it. Once you do, each time you run you will know that you can push yourself one more step or one more minute than before.

To celebrate my accomplishment today, I have registered for my first 5k race. It's the St. Patty's Day Dash in Seattle on March 14th. This will hold a special place in my heart, since it just so happens that my birthday is on St. Patty's :) What a great gift to myself, huh?
I have never liked running. And to be completely honest, I don't wake up on my run mornings and think "OH, GOODY! I get to run today!"....I just don't think I will ever be there. But I do know that running has changed my entire life.

There is such joy in being proud of what you have accomplished. I hope and pray that you ALL can feel that joy in yourself, whether it be through running, or just choosing to take a step forward today and do something to better yourself.

H2-O-o-O-o

I took that picture at an antique store I visited last weekend. Oh the 70's decor...how I so wish it was still in style!

Today I did my C25k 9.2 Almost done! I actually pushed myself to run a bit farther than 30 minutes this morning and wound up running 36 straight minutes. In that time, I ran a distance of 2 3/4 miles. I'm feeling better about running and getting really nervous for my first 5k next month- the St. Patty's Day Dash!

What a miracle water is. It's amazing how many times we hear that water is nature's MIRACLE drug but we still don't take advantage of it! Why is it so hard to get in enough water during a day?!

I usually drink less than 30 ounces of water a day. I've always been the person that can never finish a drink! I do, however, drink a lot of tea and sugar free hot coco- do you think this counts?!

Yesterday I made it my goal to drink at least 40 oz of water (I know, it doesn't sound like a lot, but it really is for me!). Well guess what....I woke up one pound lighter this morning! Now, how much that has to do with water retention I'm not sure...but I'll take it!

Thanks so much to all my new blog followers! You all majorly rock!!

I am the Tortoise.

This post will definitely not be as interesting as some of my last couple posts, but it's needed.

I'm kind of worried. On Saturday I ran 28 minutes for my C25k program. I was really proud of myself for making it that far...until I measured my distance. I ran only 2 miles in 28 minutes! That is 14 minutes miles! AHHHH

I'm kind of embarrassed to even admit that. At that rate, my MINIMUM time at the 5k I am doing in March will be 42 minutes. I was shooting for anything below 40, but 42 would be kind of embarrassing. I feel like most people walk faster than I "run"

Not really sure what to do about this, as I have TRIED to run faster, but I just can't last that long going at a faster speed. I should be finishing my c25k program within the next two weeks, and then I will focus on speed I think.

In other news, I drank an "ogre" or "green monster" for breakfast this morning:
This one was inspired my Kristen @ Change of Pace
It had peanut butter, banana, soy milk and spinach. Sounds gross but you can't even taste the spinach- its like a peanut butter milkshake! I didn't use any protein because I don't have any, but I might pick some up from the grocery store this weekend.

I don't feel like moving this morning at all. I woke up way too late and am just feeling lazy. GRR!

No One Else But Me!

I had a bit of a revelation yesterday. As I came home from the run and walked in the door, I was so desperately hoping that Kellen (Husband) would have a gigantic surprise party with tons of friends and family, heaps of congrat presents, and a yummy healthy breakfast waiting for me on the table. Of course I am exaggerating just a bit, but you get the point. I was hoping that the pride I had for myself for competing that race would be reflected in him.

Now don't get me wrong, it's not that he didn't say right away "Oh, I'm proud of you Nicole!" when I walked through the door. But...it just wasn't all I was hoping for...if you know what I mean. It was at this point that the last month and a half of hard work and constantly waiting for encouraging words hit me- it was never going to be enough. I finally realized that NO ONE can encourage me in the way I exactly am seeking it.

I am loving the encouragement of this blog and my fellow bloggers. And let's be honest, about 98% of the people in my life that ARE close enough to me to know the hard work I'm doing, have absolutely no idea how hard this is. According to me athletic husband, running 3+ miles is just a way of life...so what's the big deal? It's not like he's trying to downplay what I've done...it's just that he really does not understand.

So my revelation finally brought me to this: I HAVE to find the strength, the encouragement, and the pride in myself to continue this race. Only when I have made that realization will this be a life-long journey that does not rely on the encouragement from others, but instead the accomplishment in myself.

First Run: Complete!!

This morning was my first real "marathon type" run. It was only one mile, but I feel very accomplished! My friend Hollie who does 5k's all the time went with me! She was a great support and stayed with me the whole time. The first part of the race was a small hill/incline and was really hard for me, but once we turned the first corner, it was level and downhill the rest of the time. I got 11:37 for the time. Definately not impressive for a mile, but I am just happy I ran the whole thing! :) Here's a pic from before the race:

My First Real Run!

Yesterday I heard about something called the "Solstice Run" going on in a town really close to where I live. I was SO excited when I saw that they had a one mile run to do! My friend and I are going to be going. I can't wait! It will be this Saturday. Here is what the race is supporting:
"What is Go Run!? Go Run! is a local program working to enhance the lives of girls physically, emotionally and socially. Running activities are used to involve girls in a positive team experience involving goal-setting, positive adult mentoring and leadership opportunities in a supportive environment."

What an amazing thing to support! I now have two days to make sure I'm going to run an entire mile!


In other news, Carrie the scale gave me good news this morning: I am down to 10.5 pounds down. Here my question to all you other more experienced weight loss gurus though: for some reason my scale keeps doing "waves" on me. It's almost an exact pattern. I will be down to a certain weight (we will use 194 for example). Then it will go up to 195 for TWO days, and then after those two days it will drop down 2.5 pounds. I'm not even kidding that this is like an exact pattern. It's SO weird. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Needless to say, I will thank Carrie and take my my 10.5 punds down. I am suppressing my joy for the 10 pound mark as I have basically have the "I lost ten pounds" mindset for the last week. hehe

A Treat and A Kick in the Butt

That's what I'm calling this Saturday. This morning me and the hubby went to a crepe place I have been wanting to try for over a year. I thought on the way there I would try to be healthy and choose a crepe with fruit. Well when I saw the title "Belgian dark chocolate crepe with almonds and whipped cream" I could NOT resist. Besides, I figured I could have a weekly cheat for such hard work all week.

The thing was DELICIOUS and totally worth it. I was so proud of myself that I didn't even finish the whole thing, and donated it to my personal garbage disposal (the hollow legged husband).



I was debating whether or not to go running today but that crepe made that decision. I need to kick some of those calories. Plus my pup is eager for a run. So I'm loading some new work out music to my IPod right now and I will soon be out the door!

I did it!!

I just got home from running ONE MILE without stopping!! I was SO happy crossing that line (I ran at the High School track). I am so happy right now and proud of myself. The last time I jogged an entire mile was over three years ago in high school (probably more like 4 or 5 years). YAY!! On monday I am starting the "couch to 5k" training schedule. So excited.

The Wheels Keep on Turning

So much to share about the last 17 days. But first things first: I stepped on the scale this morning and was down 5 lbs. Technically, my goal is 40 pounds down. I want to celebrate the accomplishment somewhere. So 5lbs in 2 weeks and 2 days. That is pretty good. I'm proud of myself :).

Exercise has been challenging, but what an amazing feeling to feel your lungs expanding and no longer feeling like they are going to pop. It's also great to do a hard workout and not feel like your body can't move from sore muscles. I was at this point I'd say only about a week after I started. A WEEK. And in the past I would have given up after only a couple of days because I couldn't see an end in site.

My one complaint right now are my shins after I run. I think it has to do with jogging on the pavement, but they are pretty sore (and not really a muscle sore, more like shin splints). I hope to try out the H.S. track this weekend (Thanksgiving Holiday). That might help with the splints, not to mention there will be no hills to conquer!

Ok, I must be off to visit my friend Jillian. Working my way up to 30 Day Shred Level 2- haven't quite gotten there yet.